The demand is high for scientists with backgrounds ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry to combinational chemistry, informatics, and statistics, and for scientists with management experience. In genomics, jobs are particularly plentiful for the scientists who produce proteins and bioinformaticists who have both science and computer skills.
• You don’t have to have a science background to work in this industry, but it helps. Those with BS and MS degrees and some lab experience can enter as research associates; those with a BS or BA can land jobs as pharmaceutical field sales reps (especially if they have some sales experience). Manufacturing is a good entry point into the biotech industry because you’ll receive training and interact with people working in many other areas. While a PhD is your best bet for long-term success in the industry, those with a BS or MS and skills in the latest technologies, such as microarray scanning, will find a strong job market.
• MBAs can find a variety of jobs in finance and marketing, but jobs in business development are harder to come by without industry experience.
• PhDs can get postdocs in the industry; post-postdocs usually come in as associate scientists.
• Many types of engineers—chemical, electrical, industrial, or mechanical— find ample opportunities in manufacturing, process development, and R&D.
• RNs and other medical professionals can find opportunities as clinical research associates, and pharmacists can apply their experience to marketing divisions.
• MDs usually work on companies’ clinical trials, typically for consulting fees or other forms of compensation. Most doctors tapped for such duties have significant clinical and research experience and solid professional reputations.
Recruiting Overview
The good news is that unlike many other industries suffering through the current economic downturn, biotech and pharma have job openings for the right candidates. The more technical your skills, the better. That said, the best way to get the attention of recruiters is to know someone on the inside. Get out there and network. A good place to start is with members of your school’s alumni association who work in the industry and who may be able to make invaluable referrals. If you don’t have experience, consider starting with a job in one of the larger companies, which tend to be good training grounds. Even if you think you’d prefer the more entrepreneurial environment of biotech, a couple of years in the world of Big Pharma can help you better understand the industry’s big picture.
• Undergrads: Companies in this industry don’t typically recruit aggressively on campus. A good option is to get a temp-to-perm job through an employment agency that specializes in science and technology. Don’t rule out biotech manufacturing, where you can demonstrate your potential and learn more about the business from the inside. If you want a job in sales, try networking through your school’s alumni association and look in local papers and on company websites.
• MBAs: Companies recruit at a few core schools; contact your career center to find out who recruits at yours. Otherwise, work hard to find a personal connection on the inside.
• PhDs: A lot of recruiting goes on via networking. Talk to your professors to find out if they know people in the industry with whom you might schedule an informational interview.
• MDs: Headhunters play a significant role in recruiting MDs. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the human resources department of any company that interests you.
Read also: Biotechnology Career - Positive and Negative aspect
• You don’t have to have a science background to work in this industry, but it helps. Those with BS and MS degrees and some lab experience can enter as research associates; those with a BS or BA can land jobs as pharmaceutical field sales reps (especially if they have some sales experience). Manufacturing is a good entry point into the biotech industry because you’ll receive training and interact with people working in many other areas. While a PhD is your best bet for long-term success in the industry, those with a BS or MS and skills in the latest technologies, such as microarray scanning, will find a strong job market.
• MBAs can find a variety of jobs in finance and marketing, but jobs in business development are harder to come by without industry experience.
• PhDs can get postdocs in the industry; post-postdocs usually come in as associate scientists.
• Many types of engineers—chemical, electrical, industrial, or mechanical— find ample opportunities in manufacturing, process development, and R&D.
• RNs and other medical professionals can find opportunities as clinical research associates, and pharmacists can apply their experience to marketing divisions.
• MDs usually work on companies’ clinical trials, typically for consulting fees or other forms of compensation. Most doctors tapped for such duties have significant clinical and research experience and solid professional reputations.
Recruiting Overview
The good news is that unlike many other industries suffering through the current economic downturn, biotech and pharma have job openings for the right candidates. The more technical your skills, the better. That said, the best way to get the attention of recruiters is to know someone on the inside. Get out there and network. A good place to start is with members of your school’s alumni association who work in the industry and who may be able to make invaluable referrals. If you don’t have experience, consider starting with a job in one of the larger companies, which tend to be good training grounds. Even if you think you’d prefer the more entrepreneurial environment of biotech, a couple of years in the world of Big Pharma can help you better understand the industry’s big picture.
• Undergrads: Companies in this industry don’t typically recruit aggressively on campus. A good option is to get a temp-to-perm job through an employment agency that specializes in science and technology. Don’t rule out biotech manufacturing, where you can demonstrate your potential and learn more about the business from the inside. If you want a job in sales, try networking through your school’s alumni association and look in local papers and on company websites.
• MBAs: Companies recruit at a few core schools; contact your career center to find out who recruits at yours. Otherwise, work hard to find a personal connection on the inside.
• PhDs: A lot of recruiting goes on via networking. Talk to your professors to find out if they know people in the industry with whom you might schedule an informational interview.
• MDs: Headhunters play a significant role in recruiting MDs. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the human resources department of any company that interests you.
Read also: Biotechnology Career - Positive and Negative aspect
